22 other ways to use apple cider vinegar

There are a few ‘super’ foods/drinks that are all the rage at the moment for their multi-purpose usage and benefits. Household items like coconut oil are being poured over meals, over people’s hair and becoming a crucial part of their skin care regime. Apple cider vinegar (ACV) is another one of these condiments that is proving to be extremely useful in other areas besides your salad. Whether it’s on your skin, on your bathroomfloor or in your mouthwash, not to mention its use as the ultimate natural fatburner, this ‘super’ drink is extremely versatile.

Here are 22 ways to use apple cider vinegar…

As a health supplement

1. Soothes an upset stomach

Apple cider vinegar (ACV) can quickly soothe upset stomachs, relieve constipation, reduce bloating and help with cramps during PMS. Add one tablespoon in a warm cup of water and slowly sip (you can add a tablespoon of honey if the taste is too strong).

2. Soothes a sore throat

If you’re looking for a sugar-free, natural remedy for a sore throat ACV is a perfect option. Gargle a tablespoon of ACV with a teaspoon of salt in a small amount of warm water as often as required. The vinegar contains a number of vitamins and minerals which support your immune system, as well as the mid-range acidic level having natural antibiotic-fighting properties.

3. Relieves itching

In addition to sore throats, the anti-fungal and antibacterial properties of the ACV relieves itching and most bites. Combine ½ cup of ACV with equal parts cornstarch to form a paste which you can apply topically as often as required.

4. A natural Energy boost

Instead of a fluorescent coloured energy drink, reach for ACV the next time you need a pick me up. 2-3 tablespoons in a glass of water can help regulate blood sugar, improve concentration and increase circulation, resulting in a full mind and body boost!

As a beauty product

5. A natural toner for clear skin

This DIY complexion hack is a must try for anyone looking for a new, natural toner. It balances the PH of your skin, removes excess oil and does an amazing job as a makeup remover. Slightly dampen a clean facial tissue with a few drops of ACV and lightly wipe over the face, especially in the T-zone (forehead, bridge of the nose and underneath the chin)

6. A teeth whitener

Bring out those pearly whites with ACV which actually strengthens your teeth while whitening them as opposed to most whitening products which can often damage your enamel. Swish 3-4 tablespoons mixed in ½ a glass of water around your mouth for a few minutes morning and night to remove those stubborn tea and coffee stains.

7. A mouthwash

While you’re making your teeth whiter, you’re going to be doing wonders for your gums and mouth. The natural antibacterial properties of ACV makes it just as effective as most alcohol based mouthwash. Ditch the Listerine and replace it with your natural ACV.

8. A natural shampoo

Most shampoos and conditioners contain parabens that alter the natural PH and moisture level of your scalp. This can result in common problems like dandruff, itchiness and even hair loss. ACV is a perfect rinse to balance your scalp PH, as well as sealing hair cuticles, making it look shinier and thicker straight away. Take 2 tablespoons in a cup of water and slowly rinse it through your hair as a shampoo. Repeat as necessary.

9. A useful spot remover for your skin

Have you ever woke up with the mother of all pimples on your face? Taking a few drops of apple cider vinegar on a cotton bud and holding it onto the area will reduce it’s appearance dramatically in a few hours.

As a household product:

10. For a non-toxic cleaner

Just because the gentle but useful treatment works wonders on your body, doesn’t mean it’s uses stop there. If you have stubborn dirt in between tiles, water marks on steel table tops or toilet basins that look a bit worse for wear, mix a cup of apple cider vinegar with a liter of water for a powerful and natural cleaning product.

11. An all natural flea treatment

ACV is also harmless on pets as a natural flea treatment. Combine equal parts water in a bottle with a spray nozzle bottle and spray your pet before they leave the house to reduce the risk of catching fleas while they’re outside. You can also give your pet an apple cider bath to quickly and naturally kill any fleas they may have on them already. Mix in 2 cups into a bath of warm water and watch the fleas fall off!

12. A natural air freshener

From the same spray bottle, use this concoction to destroy stubborn odors around the house. The best part about this natural deodoriser so you don’t have to worry about your family breathing in harsh chemicals.

13. A gentle spot cleaner for fabrics

ACV is extremely powerful in its full strength potency, especially on stains. Take a cloth, dip it in pure ACV and tap on stains until removed. If it’s stubborn, cover the stain in salt first and drop a small amount of ACV on top before letting it sit for a few hours. Wash off by interchanging apple cider vinegar and warm water.

As a grooming tool

14. To treat sunburn

It may seem strange to put an acidic liquid on sunburn, but a lot of people swear by this home remedy. By using a 1 to 4 ratio of ACV to water, place the mixture in a spray bottle and apply it to the affected area. Alternatively, soak up the mixture with a cloth and lightly wipe over the area.

15. To treat bruising

Bruises on the legs or arm can be annoying in the summer when you want to show more skin, without the addition of these random spots. For a very easy way to reduce the appearance of these bruises, mix a few tablespoons of ACV with a cup of warm water and soak a towel in it. Wrap the cloth on the bruise tight for 10-20 minutes before waiting 30 minutes, and then repeating. This will reduce the time the bruise is present as well as the severity of its colour.

16. Your natural post-shave treatment

Good aftershave doesn’t have to be extremely expensive and from a luxury brand to be worthwhile. Aftershave is used as an antiseptic and moisturisers, as well as a crucial treatment to close pores and reduce any post shaving inflammation. This is why ACV is perfect because it does all of this without any chemicals! Fill an empty container with equal parts water and vinegar and splash on your face as you would with any other post-shaving treatment. (Quick tip: to make the smell better, add essential oils like lavender!)

As a food

17. A dressing for salads

Before everyone found out that ACV works as a teeth whitener, a floor cleaner and a natural scalp remedy, using ACV in salads was a perfect way to boost the taste and nutritional value of the dish. Try this combo next time you’re looking for a healthy apple cider dressing: 1 garlic clove, 1 tablespoon of dijon mustard, 2 tablespoons of lemon juice, and ¼ cup of raw ACV.

18. An amazing addition to soups

Adding a few tablespoons of this vinegar to almost any soup will improve taste dramatically! Whether it’s to minestrone, pumpkin or tomato soup, the small addition makes brings a sharp clean flavour to the dish.

19. A perfect addition to baking

ACV is a surprisingly common ingredient in baking. As an acid, the vinegar reacts with baking soda to give that sought after lift in baked goods. Look to add a few tablespoons to any pancakes, cake or bread recipe.

20. To marinate your steak

If you want to make an incredible steak every time, ACV is your go-to ingredient for the marinade. Along with giving it a sharp clean taste, the light acid is a great way to tenderise the meat. Partner the vinegar with a dash of wine, soy sauce and cayenne pepper and let it soak overnight.

21. To detoxify your body

Drinking apple cider vinegar is above all one of the best ways to easily detoxify the body. It aids in digestion, liver function, improves circulation and helps break down bad cholesterol build up. Sip on a few tablespoons of ACV mixed in with a glass of water every morning for a few weeks to notice a change in your body. Take notes on your body’s most obvious toxicity markers such as the quality of your skin, hair thickness and energy levels.

22. As the ultimate weight loss tool

It’s common knowledge that apple cider aids in weight loss, but how? Well besides being a proven appetite suppressant and a useful tool in controlling blood sugar levels, diets which have a certain level of acid in them actually prevents the process of fat accumulation in the body. Taking a glass of warm water with a tablespoon of ACV in it every morning will not only help detox the body but will help you reach your weight loss goals faster.